9 suspected cases of measles at Bishanpura in Zirakpur

Satinder Pal Singh

Zirakpur, April 17

As many as nine children from the slum area in Bishanpura village were suspected of being afflicted with measles, raising fears of an epidemic, on Tuesday. All children were in the age group of 3-12 years, said sources.

Meanwhile, officials of the Health Department swung into action and conducted a survey at Bishanpura village, Zirakpur.

A team of doctors conducted a door-to-door survey and the ailing children were vaccinated and given a dose of Vitamin A. Blood samples of four children have been sent for testing and the reports are expected within two-three days. “Laboratory tests of others are also being conducted to confirm the presence of the virus,” said the sources.

Though no other suspected case was found from the area, other families in the village and nearby areas have started taking precautionary measures as advised by Health Department officials. Many parents have also stopped sending their wards to the school, fearing infection.

The survey team also created awareness among the masses regarding the disease. The teams covered around 80 houses, creating door-to-door awareness about measles. An official, on the condition of anonymity, said teams of health workers had already intensified scrutiny in these areas to identify more cases.

Deepti, district epidemiologist, said, “The basic treatment had being given to the affected children. If they are tested positive for measles, they will be vaccinated against it.”

The district epidemiologist added that the survey teams had been given instructions to keep an eye on the children and provide them with proper treatment till the test results arrived. She said parents had been asked to keep the affected children away from school and neighbours as the disease was contagious.

She stressed that the affected children should immediately be isolated or it could affect others. The affected child should be given light meals and their towel, handkerchief and other items of personal use should not be used by any other.

The disease

Measles, a communicable disease, spreads when a normal person comes into contact with an infected person.

Symptoms

Fever, tiredness, running nose, cough and sore red eyes are the general symptoms. These usually last for a few days before red blotchy rashes start appearing on the entire body.

Prevention

Measles can be prevented through immunisation with a vaccine called MMR. Avoid contact with measles-affected patients.